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“Yeah… to be honest, it’s a tad overwhelming. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.”
“What do you mean?”
As I see the sadness marring her features, I realize there’s something about this woman that makes me want to confide in her.
“My parents weren’t around much while I was growing up. Now that I’m an adult, I’m lucky if I hear from them every few months.” I inhale deeply, considering my next words carefully. “We’ve never sat at the kitchen table for a meal together, let alone made any lasting holiday traditions as a family,” I explain.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” she says sympathetically. “I can only imagine how difficult it must be spending time with my chaotic family around the holidays.”
“Your mom made me coffee this morning.”
“Yeah, so? Is there something wrong with that?”
“No, of course not.” I pause briefly. “It’s just… she did it because she wanted to do something nice for me. Most people in my life only do things because they’re obligated to—my parents included.”
“I’m sorry, Jack. I know there’s nothing I can say to fix things.” Her tone is filled with genuine empathy. “I might be just your assistant, but I’m here to listen if you ever want to talk. You’re not alone.”
With a few choice words, she’s somehow turned my world upside down. Regardless of how I’ve treated her or the number of shitty things I’ve said to her in the past, she’s still willing to show me kindness.
“I never want to hear you talk about yourself that way again, do you hear me?” My voice is unwavering. “You’re so much more than my assistant. Hell, you’re more valuable than my entire senior executive team combined. There’s a reason I want you on every client call. The company wouldn’t be the same without you… I wouldn’t be the same without you. I should have promoted you a long time ago.”
“So why haven’t you?” she asks, and I have to swallow the emotion welling up to tell her the truth.
“Because…I can’t lose you.”
She’s been the only constant in my life these past three years. I might not always show it, but I look forward to seeing her smiling face every morning and to that first sip of coffee, guessing what flavor it’ll be. The thought of losing Presley makes me feral.
“Oh…” She looks like she has something else to say, but stays silent.
“I shouldn’t have crashed your holidays,” I confess. “If I had known how much Christmastime meant to you, I never would have done it. It was wrong of me to put my priorities ahead of yours, and I’m sorry.”
“Are you sick?” Presley rests her hand on my forehead.
“No?” It comes out as a question.
“You’ve apologized multiple times since we got to Aspen Grove, which isn’t like you. The Mr. Sinclair I know would never admit he was wrong.”
“It must be something in the air,” I say playfully.
“Must be.” She gives me a wry smile.
“I think I should go back to New York tomorrow. Christmas is only a few days away, and you should have a chance to celebrate without me here interfering. I’m sure your brothers will be more than happy to help you finish your holiday wishlist.”
A wave of dread washes over me when I think about leaving Presley, but I’ll go if she wants me to. It’s the least I can do for the headache I’ve caused.
“You can’t leave.” Her voice is raised. “You promised that you’d stay until Christmas, and my mom would be devastated if you left even a minute before.”
“Is she the only one who feels that way?” I close the remaining distance between us.
“Jack—”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” I interrupt when I spot mistletoe hanging from the doorframe.
When did that get there?
“What are you—" Presley’s mouth shapes into an “O” when she follows my gaze upward. “My mom must have gotten it at the holiday market earlier.”
“Well, that’s convenient, seeing as how I owe you a kiss under the mistletoe and all.”
